23: Beatrice

"Defendant would like to file a Motion to Dismiss," I say, my voice resounding in the courtroom. I knew our case would be closely watched and now it appeared that the entire courtroom was hanging on my every word. I could hear murmurs in the back of the courtroom, some of shock, others of disgust.

"That's absurd, on what grounds?" Andrew asked, interrupting my speech with his angry outburst.

"Counselor, wait your turn," Judge Martinson spoke to Andrew before she turned to me. 

"Permission to approach, Your Honor," I asked. The judge nodded her head and Alessio helped me stand. I took the motion from Callie's hands, and she stood to offer a copy to Andrew.

I slowly made my way toward the judge's stand, brushing Alessio's hand off and murmuring for him to stay put